Heatwave in Europe: Why Alcohol Worsens Dehydration and Health Risks

There's a heat wave sweeping across large parts of Europe and according to a recent report published in medical journal The Lancet, the number of heat-related deaths has risen across much of Europe. The number of heat warnings in Europe has also increased.

Fancy a few cold beers to cool off? Better not.

With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), alcohol was banned in public spaces in France's capital, Paris, during the "Fete de la Musique" festival last weekend.

Alcohol will likely leave you more thirsty

The hotter it is, the more fluid your body will lose. We sweat and need to replenish this fluid by drinking. Yes, beer, wine spritzers, and gin and tonics are liquids, and it may feel as though they're quenching your thirst. But that's not the case.

"Alcohol increases the urge to pee, leading to even more fluid loss," warns Helmut Seitz, professor of internal medicine, gastroenterology and alcohol research at Heidelberg University. Along with the fluid, you lose potassium, sodium, and magnesium. "That means more comes out than goes in," Seitz told DW.

According to Germany's Federal Institute for Public Health, alcohol can dehydrate the body to such an extent that it produces too little sweat. As a result, the body overheats, which can lead to a heat stroke.

In addition, a cold beer causes the blood vessels to dilate which can lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness and headaches. The loss of minerals also affects the heart, says Seitz. This could result in atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles and cardiac arrhythmias. "It can even lead to a heart attack," he warns.

A risk for both old and young

Certain medications, such as blood pressure medication or drugs that affect the central nervous system, can further increase the risk, Seitz continues. These also include sleeping pills and sedatives, whose effects on the central nervous system are amplified by alcohol, leading to increased dizziness and drowsiness.

However, drinking alcohol on hot days isn't just a problem for older people or those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions.

Young people who are active, exercise frequently and sweat heavily should also be careful, Seitz said. What about that beer after running a half-marathon or winning a soccer game? From a health perspective, Seitz's answer is clear: "You really couldn't do anything worse."